Best Reasons: Relatively modern Refinery facilitySingle Train Refinery that was designed right for the Crude input it takesPerformance Reviews mean something when done correctly

Cons

The culture has changed at the Belle Chasse facilityThere is no more family atmosphereThe current managment Team of the Refinery seems to be lacking certain talents that you would expect from managers at that levelYour

Advice to ManagementAdvice

If you truly believe in the talent management concept then make sure you put all leaders under the same scrutiny. Some of them have slipped through the cracks of the "old boy" network and should not have achieved the levels they are currently in the company. It's an utter joke when some mentions we believe in talent management and implement it everyday.

At ConocoPhillips, in most work groups the work/life balance is pretty good: if you need time off for vacation or if you are sick, supervisors are usually very understanding. The benefits (health, vision, perscription) are very good and there is a big push toward over-all wellness (physical, mental). Very nice gym facility at the main complex and a lot of outside programs to get involved in. (Rodeo Run, United Way, Employee Networks)

Cons

There are many layers of management at ConocoPhillips and that makes it extremely hard to get any work done or to feel any sense of ownership of a role. While it is possible to get a new role and develop professionally at ConocoPhillips, there are a lot of politics at play and there are Talent Management Teams (TMT's) that play a huge role in placing employees in new roles that are not always in the employees best interest and development, it's usually for the benefit of the company. Promotions are on a strict time-in-grade and performance rating schedule, so for a strong performer it can be a lot of years between promotions. This makes it very dificult to have a strong career at the company unless you are a favorite of the TMT's or have a strong supporter in management. The norm is to have very weak/poor supervisors or managers. They are working supervisors so they don't have the time, energy or interest in developing employees. Most of the poor treatment of employees comes from top management and employees are seen as very expendable.

Advice to ManagementAdvice

Managers and supervisors need to have better training. Remove some layers of management so it's easier to get things done. Make it easier to get promotions.